Longmont woman, 63, dies in Ninth Avenue head-on collision

A 63-year-old Longmont woman died Wednesday afternoon in a head-on crash just east of Ninth Avenue and Vivian Street, police said.

Kathleen Forsyth was driving a gray 2009 Chevrolet Aveo westbound on Ninth Avenue when she drifted into oncoming traffic at about 3:24 p.m., Longmont Police Cmdr. Jeff Satur said. The Aveo hit a 2004 gold Mercury Sable that was being driven by Shalby Foth, a Longmont woman who turned 75 on Wednesday, he said.

Foth was transported to Longmont United Hospital with serious injuries; later Wednesday, Satur said she is still recovering in the hospital, but she is alert and talking.

Witnesses said both cars were traveling about 35 mph, Satur said. There were no skid marks from either car on the street.

"I think it all happened very quickly," Satur said.

The 63-year-old woman was not wearing her seatbelt, he said.

Inside the Aveo, an oxygen tank remained in the back seat of the car, while a purse and multi-colored blanket lay on the front passenger seat. Green slippers were left below the steering wheel, which was covered in a black wrap decorated with peace signs and flowers. Another peace sign was stuck to the trunk of the car.

A U.S. Marine Corps decal was affixed to the back window of the Sable, which also sported an American flag sticker on its trunk.

The accident is still being investigated. The coroner will look into the possibility that a medical condition caused the crash, Satur said.